A Review of Arguments for Theology in Imam Ali's Words

The affirmation of an origin for existence is one of the most authentic philosophical concerns of human thought and one of the most important philosophical issues. In Imam Ali's view, the basis of religion is knowledge of God because man's other doctrinal foundations are based on his monotheistic knowledge. If man obtains a correct knowledge in this regard, he can step correctly and firmly in other perfecting stages towards final felicity. Imam Ali who has had the highest knowledge of God has left us with invaluable sayings in this regard. The present paper seeks to study the proofs for proving God's existence in Imam Ali's view. In his sayings, Imam Ali guides us to study and contemplate on creatures and their existential structure in order to be able to realize the existence of an All-Knowing and All-Wise creator who is free from motion and createdness, through observing the creature's order, harmony, change and createdness. Furthermore, Imam Ali introduces the existence of the Necessary Being, Simple, Absolute and All-Rich God on Who all creatures depend and are in need of Him, by offering other proofs such as causal proof and the proof of the righteous, etc.